Despite tariffs, China's exports surge in October

BEIJING–China’s exports continued to show resilience last month despite a trade battle with the U.S., defying economists’ expectations.

Total exports rose 15.6% from a year earlier, accelerating from a 14.5% increase in September, the General Administration of Customs said Thursday. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had forecast an 11% growth in overseas shipments.

Imports were up 21.4% in October from a year earlier, accelerating sharply from a 14.3% increase the previous month and beating economists’ median forecast of 13% growth.